I'm a new kid on the block. I moved over very recently from the next state along and having spent the last few weeks getting to know the city I've noticed some very Melbourne specific curiosities. For example, in response to the whole coffee glorification that occurs whenever Melburnians speak of their city, I was determined to get to the bottom of its famed reputation through tireless research at the expense of many cups. Thus I stumbled across ''the magic''.
Out with a friend who asked for ''a magic'' I was immediately sceptical. I admit I that I scoffed and that my first comment was 'it sounds slightly hallucinogenic.'
Luckily the barista took pity on my naïve self and I'll pass his explanation onto you:
A magic is steamed milk poured over a double ristretto and served in a smaller 160ml cup giving it the optimum coffee to milk ratio. (A ristretto is a 'restricted espresso', meaning that it's the first half of a shot of coffee only and supposedly purer.)
In layman's terms, that's basically just a double shot flat white but I've found it is more fun to ask for a magic at your local café. The majority of cafe's in Melbourne will know what one is but as a side note, do try to be understanding with those interstaters who haven't yet come across one.
One place where you can sip a good mug of magic is at 'The Auction Rooms' at 107 Errol street in North Melbourne, open from 7am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and 7:30am to 5pm at weekends. They have a 'coffee of the day' available as well as their regular blend.
If you know where one can find 'magic coffee' in Melbourne, please leave a comment.
